Mission Sunday Streets sees huge turnout, lots of families and children on bikes

The first 2010 Sunday Streets in the Mission drew huge crowds for five hours yesterday, with countless young kids learning to ride and enjoying the car-free space. Organizers estimated approximately 25,000 people came out, though I could have been convinced attendance was higher given the dense foot and bicycle traffic along the route.

Unlike last year, Valencia Street was nearly as crowded with people as 24th Street, making it difficult at times to ride a bicycle. This year organizers added Harrison Street between 16th and 26th Streets as the newest piece of the route. Susan King, primary Sunday Streets organizer at Livable City, said Harrison was added because they needed more room for the crowds, especially cyclists.

As such, Harrison was clearly the route for those who wanted to pick up some speed on their bicycles, with a long descent toward 16th Street and plenty of room to ride relaxed. Be sure to come out July 11th if you weren’t able to attend this month.